Biography

Portuguese-American actress known as "the Brazilian Bombshell," flamboyant over-the-top but with an irresistible force of personality. Dynamic and temperamental, she enlivened Hollywood films of the '40s with her staccato singing and frantic dancing, flashing eyes and knowing glance. She added exotic spice with her extravagant costumes and towering headgear, a veritable salad-bar of tropical fruit.

Miranda came from a poor but good family who immigrated to Brazil. Educated in a convent before singing on local radio, she became popular as a recording star and Brazilian movie star; moving into America's Broadway in 1939. She made her MGM debut in "Down Argentine Way" in 1940.